California Man Killed By Drunk Driver After Leaving AA Meeting

A Modesto man was killed by an alleged drunk driver just minutes after coming out of an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, reports CBS13.

According to his friends, Ray Galindo was devoted to living a better life and was leaving an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting when he was hit and killed.

Galindo had spent more than a decade in and out of the program.

The driver, who was allegedly drunk at the time, was identified as Brandon Howze, reports CBS13.

One of Galindo's AA group leaders, Mark G., spoke to CBS13 about the tragedy.

"It's like my heart sank in my chest," said Mark. "Ray was a standup guy, he was a very helpful person, he always wanted to lend a hand."

Mark says that Galindo was standing outside by his car outside Living Sober Fellowship in Modesto when 22-year-old Howze ran into him.

"He has come in and out the program several times but this last time he seemed like he was on his way to get it he was really doing well," said Mark.

Howze reportedly fled the scene and was arrested shortly after, according to CBS13.

Galindo's friends said he was sober and committed to the program, ran committees, and brought one of his sons to meetings.

"What an irony of life to come here and try to be sober, try to be a better person, and then you go out by one of us technically," Armando told CBS13.

Fellow AA meeting members put an upside-down chair with a candle on top in Galindo's usual spot at the following meeting.

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